When walking, the knee suddenly ＂softens＂. Don’t think it is tired, maybe it is a signal of these diseases!
In daily life, many people may have experienced such a situation: when walking, their knees suddenly "softened" and they felt as if they were going to fall. Although this phenomenon is common, it may make people feel confused and worried.
So, what is the sudden "softness" of the knee? Let’s discuss the possible reasons together.
01.
Basic structure and function of knee joint
Knee joint is one of the largest and most complicated joints in human body, which is composed of femur, tibia and patella (also known as kneecap). There are many ligaments, tendons and muscles around it to maintain its stability and flexibility.
Different parts of the knee joint cooperate with each other to complete a variety of complex activities such as walking, running and jumping.
▲ The picture comes from the Internet.
02
.
Possible reasons for sudden "softness" of the knee
1. Muscle fatigue
Standing or walking for a long time, especially without adequate rest, the muscles around the knee joint may be tired, leading to instant powerlessness, which is usually relieved after a short rest.
2. Ligament relaxation or injury
Ligaments around the knee joint (such as anterior cruciate ligament, posterior cruciate ligament, etc.) are responsible for maintaining joint stability. If the ligament is slack or injured, it may cause the knee joint to lose its stability instantly and feel "soft". Ligament injury is common in athletes or people engaged in high-intensity physical labor.
3. Meniscus injury
Meniscus is a soft tissue structure in the knee joint, which plays a role in buffering and stabilizing the joint. If the meniscus is injured or torn, it may lead to stagnation or powerlessness when the knee joint moves. Meniscus injury is common in sudden twisting of the knee joint, such as badminton, basketball, football and other sports.
4. chondromalacia patellae
Chondromalacia patellae refers to the degeneration and injury of patellar cartilage, which is common in young athletes or people who have been engaged in weight-bearing activities of knee joint for a long time. Patients may feel sudden weakness in their knees when walking or going up and down stairs. The occurrence of chondromalacia patellae is related to knee joint degeneration, excessive use of knee joint, knee joint trauma and other factors.
5. Neurological factors
The movement of the knee joint is controlled by the nervous system. If the nerve is compressed or damaged (such as lumbar disc herniation compressing the nerve), it may affect the activity of the knee joint, resulting in a sudden feeling of "softness". Lumbar disc herniation is common in sedentary and long-term load-bearing people.
6. Arthritis
Chronic joint diseases such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis may also lead to the decline of the stability of the knee joint, resulting in instant weakness. Osteoarthritis is more common in the elderly, while rheumatoid arthritis can occur at any age.
If the knee is often "soft" when walking, we should first consider meniscus injury and patella softening.
03
.
How to deal with the sudden "softness" of the knee?
Step 1 take a proper rest
If it is caused by muscle fatigue, it is recommended to take a proper rest and avoid standing or walking for a long time. You can relieve fatigue by raising your legs and applying hot compress.
Step 2 strengthen exercise
Proper muscle strength training (such as quadriceps and hamstring exercises) can enhance the stability of the knee joint and prevent the occurrence of powerlessness.
Common exercise methods include:
Squat: It is helpful to strengthen quadriceps femoris and hip muscles, and people with patellofemoral joint diseases should be carried out under the guidance of doctors.
Straight leg lifting exercise: enhance the stability of knee joint through leg strength training.
Step 3 wear knee pads
Knee pads can be worn to provide extra support and protection during strenuous exercise or long walking. Knee pads can help stabilize the knee joint and reduce the risk of injury.
4. Maintain a healthy weight
Excessive weight will increase the burden on the knee joint, and maintaining a healthy weight will help reduce the pressure on the knee joint and prevent related problems. You can maintain your weight through a reasonable diet and proper exercise.
5. Pay attention to posture and movements
In daily life, paying attention to correct posture and movements can reduce the risk of knee joint injury. For example, avoid keeping the same posture for a long time, avoid sudden and strenuous exercise, etc.
6. Seek medical attention in time
If the knee suddenly "softens" frequently, or accompanied by pain, swelling and other symptoms, it is recommended to seek medical advice in time for detailed examination and diagnosis. The doctor may recommend imaging examination to determine the specific cause.
04
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Protect your knees. You can do this.
In order to better protect the knee joint, we can take the following measures:
Step 1 eat reasonably
Diet should be rich in protein, vitamins and minerals, especially calcium, vitamin D and collagen, which helps to maintain the health of bones and joints.
2. Exercise moderately
Proper aerobic exercise (such as walking, swimming, cycling, etc.) can enhance cardiopulmonary function and improve the flexibility and stability of joints. At the same time, avoid excessive exercise, especially exercise that has great pressure on the knee joint.
3. Maintain good living habits
Quit smoking and limit alcohol to avoid the influence of bad living habits on health. Smoking and excessive drinking may affect the health of bones and joints.
4. Regular physical examination
Regular physical examination, especially for people at risk of knee joint disease, can find problems early and take timely measures.
Step 5 wear the right shoes
Wearing suitable shoes can provide good support and cushioning and reduce the impact on the knee joint. Choose shoes with soft soles and good support, and avoid high heels and shoes with hard soles.
In daily life, we should pay attention to the health care of knee joint and take active preventive measures to reduce the occurrence of knee joint diseases. Through scientific exercise, reasonable diet and good living habits, we can effectively improve the health level of the knee joint and enjoy a healthier and more fulfilling life.
This article is reproduced from "Popular Science China" WeChat WeChat official account.
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Original title: "When walking, the knee suddenly" softens ".Don’t think it is tired, maybe it is a signal of these diseases! 》
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